In 2010, Devender founded his own NGO, formalizing his mission. His first major project was at Ganga Singh Stadium, where he and a small team of gardeners planted 1,000 saplings along a five-kilometer stretch. Over time, he nurtured these saplings until they matured into healthy trees. As the community witnessed the tangible results, their perspective shifted—tree planting wasn’t just a photo op; it was about creating lasting, meaningful change.

He then introduced a novel solution : a “Tree Ambulance” – a mobile unit equipped with saplings, tools, soil, and necessary materials. This became integral to his vision for a self-sustaining system. He navigated challenges like paved-sidewalk sites with jackhammers and educating people by assembling a trained team to nurture the trees. His approach holistically combines modern, tech-forward solutions and ancient wisdom. Possessing intimate knowledge of the local ecosystems, he embraced native species like Neem and Kadamb which are well-suited to the local climate and sustainable for long-term.

Today, his NGO is a thriving organization with over 25 dedicated team members, partnerships with local businesses, and a network of more than 100 active volunteers. Together, they have planted over 100,000 trees, with an impressive survival rate of over 95%.

Devender’s journey reflects how one individual’s dedication can set the momentum to form a community movement and make a real difference in preserving the planet for future generations.